Membraneless organelles in cells contain high concentrations of semi-extractable RNAs, which could serve as potential biomarkers and drug targets. However, the identification and characterization of these RNAs have been limited. Researchers have now developed a novel bioinformatic pipeline to define and analyze semi-extractable RNAs, which has led to the identification...
Dry manufacturing process offers path to cleaner, more affordable high-energy EV batteries
Early experiments have revealed significant benefits to a dry battery manufacturing process. This eliminates the use of toxic solvents while showing promise for delivering a battery that is durable, less weighed down by inactive elements and able to maintain high energy storage capacity after use. Such improvements could boost wider...
The Legacy of Past Disturbance Shapes Coastal Forest Soil Stability
Coastal forests are increasingly exposed to the effects of climate change and sea level rise.
It’s sewage, not fertilizer fueling nitrogen surge in Florida’s Indian River Lagoon
Fertilizer restrictions along Florida's 156-mile-long Indian River Lagoon were intended to reduce nutrient inputs from urban and agricultural land uses. The hope was that water quality would improve by reducing the nitrogen load. While these restrictions were well-intended, a study finds fertilizer use is not the root cause of the...
How to track animal of legend? Look to the poop
Researchers applied genetic and isotopic analyses to jaguar scat to investigate the habitat needs of the big cats in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Preserve of Belize in Central America. The study demonstrates a novel and noninvasive technique for identifying the landscape use and conservation needs of elusive wildlife.
Hidden cameras spot wildlife returning home after 2018 megafire
Researchers analyzed more than 500,000 motion-sensor camera trap images taken at a Northern California reserve in the years before and after the Mendocino Complex Fire to understand how the blaze impacted small- and medium-sized mammals. The study is one of the first to compare wildlife observations made before and after...
Safe Train Transport
Oak Ridge National Laboratory researchers used images from a photo-sharing website to identify crude oil train routes across the nation to provide data that could help transportation planners better understand regional impacts.
Can We Use Plastic Waste to Build Roads, Buildings, and More?
Stanford engineers Michael Lepech and Zhiye Li have a unique vision of the future: buildings and roads made from plastic waste.
Saltwater or Freshwater? Difference is Large for the Climate When we Flood Low Lying Areas
Many countries consider or have already planned to convert low lying farmland into wetlands and thereby save CO2 emissions.
Bot inspired by baby turtles can swim under the sand
This robot can swim under the sand and dig itself out too, thanks to two front limbs that mimic the oversized flippers of turtle hatchlings. It's the only robot that is able to travel in sand at a depth of 5 inches. It can also travel at a speed of...